CLIMATE CHANGE: SAVWIN Canvases Support for Women with Disabilities in Disaster Management and Intervention Response in Borno State

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

2nd March, 2025

In a groundbreaking effort to kick start the implementation of a project that  seeks to advocate for disability-inclusive climate change, disaster management and intervention response in Borno State  to promote the active participation of women with disabilities in the process. Sound Ability for Vulnerable Women Initiative Nigeria (SAVWIN), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that focuses on educating and empowering women with disabilities, girls, and children, as well as catering for the welfare of the elderly, has recently embark on  series of advacacy visits to various Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to amplify voices on the urgent need for inclusion of women with disabilities and other PWDs in the ensuing global calls for climate change actions.

The project Ability News Network gathered recieved support from the Disability Right Fund  ( DRF) and plunged into action in early January this year with  SAVWIN's strategic advocacy visits to several key partners and  stakeholders including  the Department of Climate in the Ministry of Environment (Borno State Environmental Prevention Agency BOSEPA), Principal Officers of the Borno State House of Assembly and the member, House Committee on Environment and Climate Change,  Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Rural Water and Sanitation, Zadaya Kanem, Ministry of Women Affairs, Joint National Association of Persons with disabilities, Borno State Agency for Coordination of Sustainable Development Goal, among others.

The advocacy visits according to the statement released by SAVWIN "aligns with the global and national commitments which include: the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), specifically Article 6, that recognizes the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities, and Article 11, that mandates the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies"

"The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), calls for inclusive participation and urgent action against climate change"

It is however gathered that the "project seeks to bridge the gaps in disaster response and ensure that women with disabilities are not just beneficiais  but active contributors to climate change policies and interventions"

$peaking during an advocacy visit to one of the working stakeholders "Zadaya-Kanem Polio and Disabilities Initiative" in Maiduguri on 28th January 2025, SAVWIN's Executive Director, Miyausa Wayuta, admitted that  "Zadaya-Kanem’s voice, network, mobilization capacity, influence and commitment are instrumental in ensuring that the rights of women with disabilities are not overlooked in the fight against climate change"

Acknowleging the persistent unbearable socioeconomic and health challenges faced by the Borno state populace caused by climatic disasters the SAVWIN's Executive Director said "Borno State has faced some of the most devastating climate-related disasters in Nigeria—floods, desertification, and extreme weather conditions—exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, particularly for women with disabilities"

"Despite their resilience, women with disabilities remain among the most marginalized in disaster response and climate action. They are often excluded from policy discussions, emergency response strategies, and adaptation programs that directly impact their survival and well-being. This must change"

She added, "we seek the support and collaboration of Zadaya-Kanem Polio and Disabilities Initiative. Your voice, network, mobilization capability, influence, and commitment are instrumental in ensuring that the rights of women with disabilities are not overlooked in the fight against climate change"

"We call upon policymakers, civil society organizations, community leaders, and government agencies to take bold steps in prioritizing disability inclusion in climate-related policies and disaster response efforts. No woman should be left behind simply because she has a disability. Together, we can build a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for all"

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration with relevant stakeholders to achieve the lofty objectives of her organization mission of deriving inclusivity in the onerous fight against climate change. She highlighted key essential areas of  which her NGO aim to focus on in order to promote the inclusion of women with disabilities in the climate change and  disaster response action:

1.Hold a two-day workshop for 60 women with disabilities, equipping them with knowledge on climate change policies, adaptation measures, and advocacy strategies.

        2. Establish a grassroots Climate Action Network for Women with Disabilities in Borno State, to amplify their voices and advocate for inclusive climate policies and programs.

        3.Organize Town Hall meetings with key stakeholders—including the Borno State Emergency Agency, ministries of environment, agriculture, women's affairs, and other relevant agencies—to ensure that the needs of women with disabilities are factored into disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation plans.

      4. Engage with policymakers, including the Borno State House of Assembly and key government ministries, to push for the inclusion of women with disabilities in climate adaptation strategies and disaster risk planning.

  5. Leverage media platforms—TV, radio, social media, and documentaries—to raise public awareness and drive policy change regarding disability-inclusive climate action.